Among the players still looking for an MLB job, starting pitcher Michael Wacha was one of the most enticing investments for contenders.
He had a good year with the Boston Red Sox in 2022 after a few down seasons, and has always had the talent to be a decent mid-rotation starter.
According to several reports, the San Diego Padres and Wacha have agreed to terms on a contract.
News today: Michael Wacha and #Padres have reached agreement in principle on a contract, source confirms @Ken_Rosenthal report. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 14, 2023
There is not a lot of information out there about the length and the money, but they should come in no time.
The pact is pending a physical.
Wacha was perhaps the best starter left on the market, and the Padres needed some punch after their stellar trio of Blake Snell, Joe Musgrove, and Yu Darvish.
The right-hander should thrive as the Padres’ number four or fifth pitcher after posting a strong 3.32 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 104/31 K/BB ratio over 127 1/3 innings (23 starts) last season for the Red Sox.
Fans and analysts gave their sign of approval upon hearing Wacha was signing to pitch in San Diego.
The Padres are effing stacked! I love this @MichaelWacha pickup. Wish the Red Sox kept him. https://t.co/p1DQ9xkLg9 #Padres
— Jim Kessler (@ThirdWayKessler) February 14, 2023
Michael Wacha love the pick up.
— Adrian Vidrio (@savvv_12) February 14, 2023
Injuries have taken some luster off Wacha’s stuff, but he still has that excellent changeup that helped him become a solid MLB starter when he broke through in 2013.
Michael Wacha kind of reminds me of what I wanted Chris Paddack to be lol. His change up is nice
— Alex Bartlett (@alexbartlett12) February 14, 2023
He was a star in that postseason run with the St. Louis Cardinals, but injuries and inconsistency have affected him after that.
Despite all that, he has managed to post a solid 4.05 career ERA.
He is a nice get for the Padres as they try to fight the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title.
NEXT: The Padres Have Officially Built An Elite Rotation
